Senior Mechanical/Cryogenic Engineer - Quantum Computing Systems
Rigetti Computing
Berkeley, CA, USA
Posted on May 21, 2025
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with cryogenic experience to lead the design, development, and optimization of cryogenic systems supporting our next-generation quantum computing platforms. In this role, you will be responsible for the full cryogenic signal chain—from room temperature to millikelvin—ensuring thermal and mechanical integrity throughout the stack. You will collaborate across hardware, quantum device, RF, and systems integration teams to deliver reliable, high-performance signal pathways inside dilution refrigerators. Your expertise in mechanical engineering and cryogenic system design will be critical in scaling quantum processors and improving system stability.
Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end mechanical design of the cryogenic signal chain, including wiring, filtering, cabling, and thermal anchoring from 300K to mK
- Design and optimize mechanical and thermal structures to support flex interconnects, connectors, attenuators, and other signal-path components
- Collaborate with quantum hardware and RF teams to define mechanical design strategies inside the fridge
- Conduct system-level modeling and simulation for thermal gradients, mechanical stability, and vibration mitigation
- Select and qualify materials and components for cryogenic use, with attention to thermal conductivity and mechanical performance
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
- 7+ years of experience in mechanical system design, with emphasis on electromechanical architectures
- Proficient with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for mechanical and thermal design
- Proficient with analysis and simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS)
- Comfortable working across disciplines in a fast-paced, R&D-driven environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with superconducting quantum processors or similar high-precision cryogenic platforms
- Knowledge in dilution refrigerators, thermal anchoring, and multi-stage cryo hardware
- Knowledge of cryogenic interconnects, flex cables, and signal components (e.g., attenuators, filters, coax, twisted pair wires)
As engineering leaders, we value diversity and are committed to building a culture of inclusion to attract and engage innovative thinkers. Our technology, meant to serve all of humanity, cannot succeed if those who built it do not mirror the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from women, minorities, and other under-represented groups are encouraged.
About Rigetti
Rigetti Computing is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. The company’s proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides ultra-low latency integration with public and private clouds for high-performance practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Rigetti was founded in 2013 and today employs more than 150 people with offices in the United States, U.K., and Australia. Learn more at www.rigetti.com.
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Export Licensing Compliance
Rigetti is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.